Daily Archives: November 5, 2015


Fastback 11 – Cockpit rails

Today I set about installing the rails for the ground adjustable rudder pedals. I immediately noticed that I had drilled every hole to the wrong size. The center rivets were all #30 vice #40, and the end rivets (BSPQ 5-4) required 5/32 drills. Installing the BSPQ rivets was a challenge as the offset locations required me to grind the hand held pop rivet squeezer even further. I also had to grind one of the removal heads to reach all 4.  

I also riveted the cockpit rails in place. This required small shims to create an even smooth surface on top that was not bent. 

Here you can see the result. Even with the shims, there is still a little distortion.